A New Journal for a New Space: Introducing Religion &amp; Development

Öhlmann, Philipp; Adeboye, Olufunke; Asamoah-Gyadu, Kwabena; Bompani, Barbara; Toit, Nadine Bowers Du; Eggert, Jennifer Philippa; Frost, Marie-Luise; Gräb, Wilhelm; Stork, Juliane; Swart, Ignatius; Wyk, Tanya van; Wilkinson, Olivia

doi:10.30965/27507955-20220001

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 43 publications

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“…As religion has the capacity to impact social and cultural norms and alter worldviews, churches that serve as stewards of religion have a key role in paradigm shifts of this nature. Churches play a crucial role in the transformation of communities because of their transformative power and the establishment of new motives (Bowers Du Toit 2019;Öhlmann et al 2022;Öhlmann, Gräb & Frost 2020), hence, they are crucial to community development (Clarke 2011).…”

Section: Participants' Understanding Of Biblical Rationale or Justifi...mentioning

confidence: 99%

A congregational view on church and community development in South Africa: An empirical study

Nanthambwe

2023

Theologia Viatorum

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Community development is defined differently depending on the perspective of those defining it. There is a chasm between how academics define community development and how the general public views it. This results in some confusion, particularly regarding the role of churches in addressing community challenges. Fundamentally, community development is a human endeavor. Therefore, churches must have a clear understanding of community development in order for their participation in community transformation to be effective. This requires a comprehension of what community development is at the grassroots level. This article sheds light on the comprehension of community development at the grassroots level.This article will provide answers to two fundamental concerns. What is grassroots community development in the first place? Second, why is church participation in community development necessary?Two methods will be used to respond to the queries provided. This article utilises empirical data collected from Weltevreden Chapel Family Bible Church in Weltevreden Park and Christ Revival Centre Church in Lenasia, Johannesburg.The article compares the literature’s comprehension of community development to the grassroots perspective.Contribution: This article examines the literature and empirical data collected from two congregations in Johannesburg to better comprehend grassroots community development. The article will emphasise the significance of grasping what community development is so that churches can engage in the transformation of communities strategically.

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Section: Participants' Understanding Of Biblical Rationale or Justifi...mentioning

confidence: 99%

A congregational view on church and community development in South Africa: An empirical study

Nanthambwe

2023

Theologia Viatorum

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“…A significant amount of scholarship has scrutinized these religious origins, as well as the role faith-based organizations (FBOs) play in contemporary development and humanitarian work (Ager et al, 2015; Ferris, 2011). A growing number of studies have recognized religion as a ‘dynamic and heterogeneous force within broader processes of development’ (Bompani, 2019: 3; see also Öhlmann et al, 2022). Despite this recognition, religion has generally been neglected in international development cooperation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding Hungary’s Support for Persecuted Christians: Scrutinising Religious Motives for Giving Aid

Paragi,

Szent-Iványi

2024

Progress in Development Studies

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Religion is increasingly acknowledged as a driving force behind development processes; however, it has received little attention as a motivation for donors to give aid. The article analyses the stated motivations and hidden agendas behind the Hungarian government’s ‘Hungary Helps’ aid programme, aimed at supporting Christian communities in the Global South and reducing migration to Europe. The programme fits with the government’s rhetoric on religion and migration, however, the article reveals inconsistencies that suggest further motivations. While there is little evidence that there was domestic demand for such a programme, it has been used instrumentally to increase Hungary’s influence among Christian interest groups and their political allies in the USA.

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Diaconia and Development: The Study of Religious Social Practice as Lead Discipline in the Religion and Development Debate

Öhlmann

2023

Religions

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In this article, I argue that the research field of religion and development and diaconal studies, the study of Christian social practice, share a common subject of inquiry: the social impact of religion. The field of religion and development investigates this mainly with a focus on the Global South and within the discursive framework of the concept of development, while diaconal studies has thus far taken a Christian perspective and a historic focus on the Global North. Recent paradigm shifts in the development discourse (post-development critique, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a global framework, critique of the secularist approach) put the field of religion and development under pressure to broaden its scope. Moreover, there is no clear lead discipline in the religion and development debate yet, raising questions about its disciplinary location in academic institutions and curricula. The field of diaconal studies is challenged by increasing religious pluralism and under pressure to consider perspectives from the Global South. Impulses from the recent advances in the conceptualisation of ecumenical diaconia as a new paradigm of Christian social service push the field to move beyond its historic focus on assistance and care. The aim of this article is to juxtapose these two fields of academic study and to bring them into mutual dialogue. The article reflects on both fields and their respective advantages and disadvantages and highlights areas of overlap. It goes on to propose a broadened discipline of diaconal studies, reshaped as the Study of Religious Social Practice, as a new academic field. The focus of this field would be the impact of religion on society in global perspective, across religious traditions and geographic contexts.

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A New Journal for a New Space: Introducing Religion & Development

Cited by 5 publications

References 43 publications

A congregational view on church and community development in South Africa: An empirical study

A congregational view on church and community development in South Africa: An empirical study

Understanding Hungary’s Support for Persecuted Christians: Scrutinising Religious Motives for Giving Aid

Diaconia and Development: The Study of Religious Social Practice as Lead Discipline in the Religion and Development Debate

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